We love using plain old aluminum foil for art. It’s not fancy, we almost always have plenty of it, yet it always looks so spectacular. And since Christmas is the time for a little something ‘spectacular’ we modified our drawing on foil idea to make easy tin foil Christmas Decorations.
What You’ll Need…
Scraps of cardboard
Permanent markers
Foil
Tape or glue
String or wire ornament hooks
Cookie Cutters (optional)
Something to cover your work surface.
What To Do…
The first thing to do is cover the surface you are working on so any stray markers don’t leave a permanent impression on your brand new kitchen bench (ask me how I know this is important!).
Then trace or draw simple shapes on to the pieces of cardboard. We used Christmas cookie cutters to trace the shapes at first, but you could also just draw shapes onto the cardboard which is what we did in the end.
Cut out the shapes carefully and wrap them in pieces of foil. Try to keep one side of the shape nice and smooth for drawing on. You may need a dob of glue or some tape to keep the foil in place on the back of your decoration. We discovered that simple, rounded or square shapes worked best, as the more detailed shapes, such as stars were harder to wrap in the foil.
Using the permanent markers draw and colour on your shapes.
When the shapes are full of colour turn them over and tape or glue a string or wire ornament hook on the back.
Then you can hang them on the tree! 
Simple, easy, Christmassy fun!
For more great foil inspiration check out Dilly-Dali Art’s Christmas Tree Stars and Happy Hooligan’s Tin Foil Trees
Joining in with Learn With Play at Home for Tuesday Tots.
Becci says
These look awesome – I can’t wait till next year when Miss M will probably be at a better age for crafty things. At the moment she just likes destroying the crafts we make! ;)
jackie says
Those are so cute, Kate! I love how Sharpies glide across foil. Love how the colours are so vibrant too.
Thanks for mentioning our tinfoil trees!
Penny says
I loved your last drawing on foil post and ran out to buy sharpies straight away. I love how you used the same effect to make Christmas ornaments. They look lovely. You have very talented drawers in your family!
PlanningQueen says
Great idea Kate and your photos are gorgeous!
Ness @ One Perfect Day says
These are so lovely Kate. The Sharpies come out so brightly on the foil.
Jode@mummymusingsandmayhem says
I just love the simplicity and fun Kate…i think the twins could manage this…thanks for the idea!
Hannah @ Making Boys Men says
These look lovely, we’ve painted on foil, but not braved sharpies yet, but I think my eldest son would enjoy this. Off to pin.
Aleta @ Hinterland Mama says
Kate, these are fabulous! Will definitely be giving these a go :) Will be sharing this on fbk.
Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky says
I am definitely going to try these with my class, and with my daughter too.
Kate - An Everyday Story says
Those Sharpies are really great, aren’t they? A friend of mine got a set of them and some white dunlop volleys for her kids to glam up. They turned out fabulously. I really want a set now. They didn’t smudge at all on the al-foil?
katef says
No smudges… because the sharpies are permanent they go on just like a regular marker but don’t smudge at all… well they might a tiny bit until they dry, but we didn’t have any problems with smudges on any of the foil and sharpie projects we’ve done, and the first time we did it with rip-off $2 shop fake sharpies LOL
stephanie says
So glad to see the foil and sharpies appear again! Still love the last post using them. Another fantastic idea!
Janice@learning4kids says
We love using foil in our art activities too but I had never thought of this! Such a great idea, so bright, colourful and effective. Adding Sharpies to my shopping list right now, lol!
Helen says
Very pretty and what a great idea!
Elise @ Creative play Central says
They look so festive and what a beautiful keepsake to treasure for many years to come.
Cassi says
I’m sharing this lovely idea in the ornament round-up at The Crafty Crow too!